Wire Cloth

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Introduction

This article provides a detailed look at wire cloth.

You will learn:

• What is Wire Cloth?
• What is Wire Cloth Made Of?
• Applications and Uses of Wire Cloth
• How is Wire Cloth Made?
• Wire Cloth Grades and Industrial Applications
• Wire Cloth Fabrication, Secondary Processing or Value Added Services, and Accessories
• And much more &#;

Chapter 1: What is Wire Cloth?

Wire cloth is a woven or knitted fabric made from metal wires, commonly used in industrial applications like filtration, sieving, and as a barrier to control the flow of substances.

Wire cloth is available in a range of mesh sizes and wire diameters, making it versatile for various applications. It's commonly used for filtering solids from liquids or gases, protecting machinery and equipment, and separating materials based on particle size. Depending on the application's specific needs, wire cloth can be crafted from different metals, including stainless steel, brass, copper, or other alloys.

Other Names for Wire Cloth

These terms are often used interchangeably based on the context and the particular application of wire cloth.

Wire Mesh

This term is commonly used to describe wire cloth, referring to a woven or welded fabric made from metallic wires.

Wire cloth, commonly referred to as wire screen, is frequently used as a screen or sieve in a wide range of industrial applications.

Wire Fabric

The term "wire fabric" emphasizes the textile-like qualities of wire cloth, as it is created by weaving or welding wires together.

Wire Netting

This term is commonly used to refer to wire cloth when it's utilized for fencing or animal containment, highlighting the material's net-like structure.

Wire Grille

Wire cloth, often called a wire grille, is frequently used in architectural and decorative applications, such as grilles for doors and windows.

Chapter 2: What is Wire Cloth Made Of?

Wire mesh and metal cloth are produced using a range of different base materials:

Metal and Alloy Wire

Metal and alloy wires are produced through a wire drawing process. In this process, a metal rod or larger wire is drawn through a series of progressively smaller dies to decrease its diameter and create a finer wire.

Although the process resembles metal extrusion, in wire drawing, the metal is pulled rather than pushed, which helps to minimize the reduction in area or diameter. Excessive reductions can cause the wire to yield. Typically, industrial wire drawing achieves area reductions between 15% and 45%.

Wire drawing imparts a great amount of cold work and strain hardening. The cold work can produce high carbon steel wire with extremely high strengths of 580 Ksi ( MPa).

Metal wire is commonly round in cross-section, but it can also be manufactured in various shapes. After drawing, wire can be rolled with smooth rollers to create flat wire with rounded edges. Using contoured rollers, wire can be shaped into square, rectangular, oval, hexagonal, or triangular cross-sections.

Metal Sheet and Foil Manufacturing

Metal sheets and foils can be used to create mesh or screen-like materials. Metal sheets are made by cold rolling, where an alloy is pressed between steel rolls to thin and shape the metal. While hot rolling can achieve annealing or recrystallization during the reduction process, it typically results in a surface finish and tolerance that are not as refined as those from cold rolling. Depending on the alloy and the extent of reduction, intermediate annealing steps may be necessary.

Metal sheets and foils can be slit into narrow ribbons or flat wire-like shapes. Additionally, metal sheets can be perforated and expanded to create nonwoven metal fabrics, such as mesh or screens.

Metallic or Metal Fiber Manufacturing

Metal or metallic fibers are defined as any manufactured fibers made entirely from metal or alloys, including metal-coated plastic fibers and plastic-coated metal fibers. These metallic fibers serve as a raw material for producing wire or metal cloth.

Metallic fibers are finer than most metal wires. Metallic fibers typically have diameters ranging from 1 to 100 microns (0. to 0.004 inches). American Wire Gauge (AWG) sizes range from 40 to (4/0 or &#;four aught&#;) gauge (0. to 0.46 inches).

Metallic fibers are produced through various methods, including:

Bundle drawing

Thousands of wires are packed into a tube, which is then drawn through a die. The tube is subsequently removed by acid etching, leaving behind metallic fibers. This process produces octagonal fibers with diameters as small as 200 nanometers.

Foil Shaving

Fibers as fine as 14 microns are created through a foil shaving process. In this method, steel wool is formed by cutting wire, and the resulting fibers feature a triangular cross-section. This unique shape enhances the cutting and cleaning efficiency of the steel wool.

Machining

The machining process can create fibers as small as 10 microns with remarkable stability.

Melt Spinning

Molten metal is poured onto a cooled, spinning copper roll, which produces fibers ranging from 40 to 250 microns.

Metallic Coating

Carbon or polymer fibers can be coated with metal through various techniques, including electrodeposition, electroplating, and thin film deposition methods such as PVD or evaporation.

Monofilaments, Strands and Yarns

In many industrial applications, wire is utilized as monofilament to create or weld wire cloth materials. Wires can be twisted together to form strands or multiple wire bundles.

Strands are also combined to create wire rope, a structural component used to support suspension bridges. In certain architectural applications, wire cloth made from strands and/or wire is utilized where enhanced strength or the appearance of strength is needed.

Metallic fibers can be utilized directly to create metal cloth or twisted into metallic yarns. This yarn is then woven to produce metal fabrics with a finer weave compared to traditional wire cloth. Metallic fiber textiles are effective for filtering finer micron particles. Additionally, they are employed in various applications such as electrical cables, fuel cell electrodes, fire protection systems, high-temperature insulation, EMI/EMC shielding, and composite reinforcement.

Blends or Hybrid Weaves

Blends or hybrid weaves incorporate one metal wire or metal fiber interlaced with non-metallic fibers, yarns, strands, or monofilaments. These weaves are employed in specialized applications where neither metal nor synthetic fibers alone are adequate. The non-metallic components can include natural fibers like cotton and silk, as well as glass fibers, ceramic fibers, carbon fibers, and synthetic materials such as polyamide (nylon), polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

Wire Metal and Alloy Types

Aluminum

Aluminum is among the lightest structural metals, with a density that is 35% lower than that of steel. It boasts high ductility, making it easy to shape and form.

Aluminum offers better corrosion resistance compared to steel, particularly when anodized. However, it does not match the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Additionally, aluminum is softer and more susceptible to abrasion and wear.

Aluminum is valuable for architectural and aerospace applications, but its alloy is not suitable for filtration or screening of powders or solids.

Copper

Copper boasts excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, with only silver surpassing it among pure metals. This superior conductivity makes copper ideal for conductive braids, electrodes, and various electrical and shielding applications. However, its softness and lower tensile strength can restrict its use in filtering and screening applications.

Copper possesses antimicrobial and anti-fouling properties, making it increasingly valuable in hospitals and medical devices. These properties help ensure that surfaces contacted by patients and healthcare professionals are safer and more hygienic.

In seawater, copper wire mesh screens are resistant to fouling and will not accumulate barnacles or marine growth. Copper root barrier screens are designed to prevent tree roots from penetrating beneath sidewalks and pavement. The roots will encounter the screen and cease to grow further.

Copper can be treated to develop attractive patina colors, making it ideal for consumer product designs and architectural applications.

Brass

Brass is an alloy composed of copper and zinc, with zinc enhancing the strength of copper. Compared to pure copper, brass is easier to cast, machine, and work with. Brass is categorized into high and low brass based on zinc content, with high brass containing more than 33% zinc. The terms "high brass" and "low brass" originate from the era when shotgun shells were made from paper.

Bronze

Bronze is an alloy composed primarily of copper combined with tin, silicon, aluminum, lead, chromium, zirconium, and other metals. These alloying elements enhance the metal&#;s strength and give it specific properties based on the elements used. Compared to pure copper, bronze can be easier to work with due to its improved machinability and versatility.

Phosphor bronzes are composed of tin and a small amount of phosphorus, which enhances their properties. These bronzes are particularly well-suited for weaving into very fine mesh screens due to their strength and resistance to cold working. Compared to brass, phosphor bronze offers superior durability and is commonly used to manufacture fine Fourdrinier wire screens for papermaking.

Bronze can be treated to develop stunning patina colors, enhancing its appeal for consumer products and architectural designs.

Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to safeguard the underlying steel wire. This coating process is achieved through methods such as electrogalvanization or molten zinc dipping. Zinc dipping provides a thicker coating, offering extended protection for the steel. Galvanized steel can be used to create woven wire cloth. However, welded wire cloth cannot be manufactured with galvanized steel wire due to:

• The zinc coating will evaporate during welding, resulting in porosity in the weld.
• The steel in the weld zone and surrounding metal will not have a protective zinc coating. The weld joint must be recoated with zinc.
• The zinc vapor generated during welding can cause zinc chills when inhaled by welders.

Welded wire mesh is usually galvanized after welding to overcome these problems.

Nickel or Nickel Alloy

Nickel and nickel alloys have outstanding high temperature strength and oxidation resistance properties even at red hot temperatures. Nickel alloys also have excellent corrosion resistance in acid and chemical environments where other metals fail. Nickel alloy mesh, filters, and strainers are used in chemical process and aerospace applications. Inconel&#; and Hastelloy&#; are common nickel based alloys.

Monel is an alloy composed of copper and nickel, renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance. It retains some of the antimicrobial properties of copper. Due to its durability and resistance to harsh environments, Monel wire mesh and nickel materials are frequently utilized in food processing application.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an iron alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium. When the alloy is cut or ground, it quickly forms a protective oxide film. This passive chromium oxide layer helps prevent further corrosion. Additionally, the inclusion of nickel in stainless steel stabilizes the austenite phase, enhancing its ductility and formability. Nickel also contributes to improved corrosion resistance.

Austenitic stainless steel alloys must contain at least 12% chromium and low carbon levels to ensure passivity and corrosion resistance after welding. Common welding grades include 304L, 316L, and Columbium-stabilized 347 stainless steels. The 304L grade, also known as 18-8 stainless steel, comprises approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. The 316L grade contains higher nickel levels (10&#;12%) and includes molybdenum (2&#;3%), making it more suitable for environments with chlorides, such as saltwater.

Stainless steel wire cloth and metal mesh are used in various applications, including chemical processing filters and strainers. They are also employed in architectural fabrics to diffuse light and add decorative elements.

Steel

Low carbon steel is highly malleable and cannot be hardened through heat treatment. In contrast, high carbon and alloy steels can be hardened to achieve high levels of strength and hardness. High carbon steel, in particular, can be drawn through dies to produce extremely strong wire.

Titanium or Titanium Alloy

Titanium offers superior corrosion resistance compared to stainless steel and is significantly lighter, with a density that is only 60% of steel&#;s. Its exceptional fatigue strength and high strength-to-weight ratio make titanium and its alloys highly valuable for aerospace applications.

Titanium's exceptional corrosion resistance makes it ideal for chemical process applications where stainless steels are inadequate. It performs well in environments with seawater and other chloride salt solutions, hypochlorite, wet chlorine, nitric acid, and even fuming acids.

Titanium offers superior biocompatibility compared to stainless steel. Therefore, a woven titanium mesh is a preferable option for implant applications.

Chapter 3: What Are the Applications and Uses of Wire Cloth?

Here are some common uses for different types of wire cloth:

• Filtration: Wire cloths with precise mesh sizes and materials are used in filtration applications to separate solids from liquids or gases. This includes applications like water treatment, oil filtration, and air purification.
• Screening and Sifting: Wire cloths with varying mesh sizes are used for screening and sifting applications. They are often found in industries such as agriculture (for grain separation), mining (for ore sorting), and food processing (for particle separation).
• Vibrating Screens: Wire cloths designed to withstand high vibrations and heavy loads are used in vibrating screens. These screens are commonly used in the mining, aggregate, and recycling industries for material classification.
• Security and Safety: Specialized wire cloths are used for security and safety purposes, such as window screens, security fencing, and explosion-proof enclosures.
• Aerospace: Wire cloths made from high-temperature and corrosion-resistant materials are used in aerospace applications for flame arrestors, spark arrestors, and shielding components.
• Heat Treatment: Wire cloths made from heat-resistant alloys are used in heat treatment processes to support and contain parts at high temperatures.
• Architectural and Decorative: Some wire cloth types are used for architectural and decorative purposes, such as facades, interior design, and artistic installations.
• Paper and Pulp: Wire cloths are used in the paper and pulp industry for forming, pressing, and drying paper sheets. They help control sheet formation and remove excess water.
• Chemical Processing: Specialized wire cloths are used in chemical processing applications where resistance to chemical corrosion and high temperatures is essential.
• Oil and Gas: In the oil and gas industry, wire cloths are used for applications like sand control screens, well screens, and filters for downhole tools.
• Medical and Pharmaceutical: Fine wire cloths are used in medical devices and pharmaceutical equipment for filtration, sieving, and separation processes.
• Food and Beverage: Wire cloths made from food-grade materials are used in the food and beverage industry for applications like sieving, straining, and filtering.
• Electronics and Microelectronics: Extremely fine wire cloths are used in electronics and microelectronics for applications like particle separation, etching, and wafer processing.
• Automotive: Wire cloths can be used in automotive applications, including exhaust system components, filtration, and catalytic converter substrates.
• Plastics and Rubber Processing: Wire cloths play a role in extrusion processes, where they help shape and cool plastic or rubber products.
• Pharmaceutical Tablet Coating: Specialized wire cloths are used in tablet coating machines to evenly distribute coatings on pharmaceutical tablets.
• Battery Production: Wire cloths are used in the production of batteries for applications like electrode coating and separator fabrication.
• Environmental Control: Wire cloths are used in environmental control systems, such as dust collectors and air pollution control devices.
• Textile Industry: Wire cloths are used in the textile industry for processes like carding, combing, and cloth inspection.

Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers

Chapter 4: What Are the Key Factors in Wire Cloth Manufacturing?

How is Wire Mesh Made?

The two major construction types of wire cloth, metal cloth, and wire mesh are:

Woven Metal Cloth

Woven metal cloth is created by interlacing two or more sets of wire, usually at right angles. The warp wires or yarns run parallel to the length of the cloth, while the perpendicular or crosswise wires, known as weft, fill the gaps between the warp wires. When metal fiber yarn is used instead of traditional wires, the resulting metal cloth features a fiber-like texture and a higher fiber density, closely resembling conventional synthetic fiber cloth. In contrast, woven wire mesh presents a coarser, more open appearance.

Nonwoven Wire Cloth

Nonwoven wire cloth is produced through various methods, including knitting, stitch bonding, welding, expanding (via punching and stretching), perforating, electroforming, chemical milling, photochemical etching, and laying metallic fibers into a felt mat.

Nonwoven Wire and Metal Cloth Types

Welded Wire Cloth or Mesh

Welded wire cloth, also known as welded wire mesh, is a type of nonwoven metal mesh where wires are joined by welding. In this mesh, one set of wires runs either perpendicular or at an angle to another set. The welds are created at the intersections where the wires cross. Compared to woven wire cloth, welded wire mesh offers greater strength and durability. A particle or object can push through a woven screen by shifting the wires apart. However, with welded wire cloth, the openings cannot be expanded without breaking the welds. This makes welded wire cloth ideal for applications involving high pressure or conditions that could damage a woven mesh.

Sintered Wire Mesh

Metal wires and fibers can be joined using solid-state welding or diffusion bonding techniques. Initially, the wire is woven, knitted, braided, or arranged into a nonwoven batt. This metal mesh or fabric is then placed into a furnace with a controlled atmosphere to prevent oxidation during sintering. During the sintering process, surface energy facilitates diffusion, leading to the rearrangement of metal atoms.

Braided Metal or Wire Cloth

In braided metal or wire cloth, strands, yarns, or wires are interwoven in an alternating zigzag pattern. The three-strand braid is particularly common and is often used to create ropes. Various complex braid patterns are employed in industrial applications. Compared to woven fabric, braided cloth offers greater flexibility and stretchability.

After braiding, metal strands are frequently flattened or calendered. Braiding is employed to create metal ropes, cords, flexible conductive straps, and protective sleeving.

Protective sleeving is commonly woven into a tubular form. Braided metal fiber sleeving, in particular, is utilized as an outer layer for hoses, data cables, and electrical cables. It offers critical protection by providing cut resistance, abrasion resistance, and shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).

Additional reading:
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OEM Fence with Wire Mesh: Quality vs. Affordability Explained

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit aluminum window screen mesh.

Braided copper conductors, or copper braids, are utilized to link conductive electrical power components in scenarios where movement occurs between the conducting parts. This type of copper can withstand repeated flexing without becoming work-hardened or breaking. Additionally, braided copper is commonly used for flexible grounding straps, offering durability and flexibility for various applications.

Knitted Metal or Wire Cloth

Knitted metal cloth is made by interlacing loops of wire or yarn to create its structure. This method gives the cloth greater flexibility and stretch compared to woven fabrics, as the loops can slide against each other. The main types of knitting processes used in creating such fabrics include warp knitting, weft knitting, and stitch bonding.

Stitch Bonded Metal or Wire Cloth

Stitch bonding is employed to create high-strength industrial textiles and composite reinforcements used in aircraft and wind turbine applications. This process involves joining or stitching together multiple fabric layers with a knitting thread, resulting in stitch-bonded fabrics that offer enhanced durability and performance.

Metal Felt and Metal Wool

Metal wires or fibers can be arranged to create a nonwoven metal fiber batt or mat. Since the fibers are not bonded together, nonwoven metal fiber mats are commonly stabilized using needle punching. In this process, a barbed or forked needle repeatedly penetrates the nonwoven metal fiber web and then withdraws, causing mechanical entanglement. Needle plates, equipped with over 100 needles per inch, punch the fiber batts at a rate of 2,000 strokes per minute.

The metal cloth products mentioned above begin with metal wire or metallic fibers that are woven or processed into a mesh or fabric. Expanded metal, perforated metal, and chemically milled mesh all start with sheet metal as their raw material.

Expanded Metal

Expanded metal is produced by cutting small slits into a metal sheet and then stretching the material to create openings. This process typically results in diamond-shaped openings in the metal. One of the advantages of expanded metal is that it generates minimal to no scrap during manufacturing.

Perforated Metal

Perforated metal is created by punching holes into metal sheets using a steel or carbide punch and die set on a high-speed punch press. This method, known as punching and blanking, is a cost-effective way to quickly produce holes in metal sheets and plates. The punched-out material, known as the plug, is considered waste or scrap. Compared to expanded metal, woven wire mesh, and welded wire cloth, perforated sheet metal has a thinner profile, offering a more streamlined appearance.

Chemical Milling and Electroforming

Chemical milling and electroforming are ideal for creating extremely fine mesh or products with very small hole sizes.

When the wire diameter of wire cloth or the hole size of perforated metal becomes too small, manufacturing these products through weaving and punching becomes challenging. Extremely fine wires and punches are prone to breaking easily during production.

Chemically Milled Mesh

Chemically milled mesh is created by applying a masking material to sheet metal. This masking can be selectively applied using screen printing or photolithography techniques. Areas not covered by the masking material are then etched away or removed using an acid bath. Chemical milling allows for the creation of intricate patterns, including holes, slots, star-shaped openings, and various perforations.

Electroformed Mesh

Electroformed mesh is produced through the electrochemical deposition of mesh material onto a conductive pattern, mold, or mandrel. Once the deposition is complete, the pattern or mold is removed using methods such as melting, etching, or chemical dissolution. This process allows for the creation of mesh openings as small as 5 microns.

Electroforming utilizes distinct raw materials and chemicals for electro deposition or electroplating, setting it apart from other metal mesh or cloth products. The process involves ionic aqueous solutions or dissolved salts from the metal being deposited, which are essential for the electroplating process.

Electroforming achieves greater detail in metal patterns compared to chemical milling, etching, stamping, or machining. This method provides exceptional edge precision, with edges nearly free of burrs and typically exhibiting a variance of less than 0.5 microns.

Molds or patterns are frequently created using photolithography techniques. Because electroformed parts utilize a reproducible mold or pattern, they can consistently replicate highly detailed and complex mesh patterns. Electroforming enables the production of intricate shapes that are difficult or impossible to achieve with other manufacturing methods.

Woven Wire Cloth Weave Types

Woven Wire Cloth Weave Types

Woven wire cloth is available in a range of standard weaves, with many metal cloth manufacturers offering proprietary designs as well. Additionally, custom weaves can be created to fulfill the specific requirements of both demanding industrial applications and architectural projects with unique aesthetic needs.

The four most common wire cloth weaves are:

Plain Weave

In plain weave or square weave, parallel warp wires alternate between running under and over the cross, fill, or shute wires. This interlacing pattern creates a basic and widely used type of wire cloth weave.

Dutch Weave

Dutch weave, also known as plain Dutch weave, resembles the plain weave pattern but features a notable difference: the warp wires have a significantly larger diameter than the weft or cross wires. Additionally, the weft wires are tightly packed together. This combination results in a dense, high-quality material that excels in filtration applications.

Twill Weave

Twill weaves feature a pattern where two adjacent warp wires pass under the fill or weft wires, followed by two adjacent weft wires passing under the warp wires. This pattern allows twill weaves to handle larger wire diameters while maintaining a specific mesh size. Compared to plain weaves with the same wire diameter, twill weaves offer greater flexibility.

Dutch Twill Weave

Dutch twill weaves integrate both twill and Dutch weave patterns.

Here are a few of the less common weaves:

Rectangular, Broad, and Oblong Weaves

Broad and oblong weaves feature rectangular openings. They are often referred to as off-count mesh due to the uneven mesh count in the parallel warp and crosswise shute directions. Broad weaves have a lower number of warp wires, while oblong weaves have fewer shute or weft wires.

Optimized Weaves

Optimized weaves enhance filtration efficiency by increasing the number of warp or weft wires until they make contact. This results in smaller apertures and improved flow rates.

Reversed Weaves

Reversed Dutch twill weaves and reversed plain Dutch weaves are types of reversed weaves. Reversed plain Dutch weaves feature a higher number of warp wires and fewer shute or weft wires. These weaves offer greater strength, making them suitable for demanding applications where backwashing, filter cake removal, and cleaning processes exert mechanical stress on the wire weave.

Braided or Stranded Weave

Stranded weave consists of multiple strands of wire for each warp and shute wire. Its surface resembles the appearance of Parkay wood flooring.

5-heddle or 5 Shed Twill Weaves

5-heddle weaves, also known as 5-shed twill weaves, feature warp wires that pass over four shute wires and under one shute wire. These weaves have a smooth surface on one side, which makes it easier to remove filter cakes from the smooth surface of 5-heddle weaves.

3D Weaves and Volumetric Weaves

3D and volumetric weaves employ specialized proprietary weaving technology to create a mesh with a three-dimensional structure. These weaves offer significantly higher volume porosity compared to conventional media of the same wire diameter, making them ideal for filtration applications. Additionally, they can help reduce pressure loss in filtering processes.

Multi-Layer Wire Mesh Laminates

Multi-layer wire mesh laminates consist of several mesh layers bonded together using methods such as sewing, welding, sintering, fastening, or adhesive bonding. A finer mesh cloth can be attached to the top of a larger diameter wire mesh screen. The larger screen provides support for the finer mesh during filtration processes, preventing it from bowing or breaking.

Ribbon or Cable Weaves

Ribbon weaves, or cable weaves, involve warp metal ribbons or flattened wires interwoven with round shute or weft wires. These weaves are particularly effective for facade and wall cladding applications where security, privacy, light diffusion, and protection from wind and sunlight are required.

Cable Mesh Weaves

Cable mesh consists of stranded wire woven into a square or diamond pattern. The intersection points can be secured using ferrules, cross clips, bolts, interweaving, or welding.

Spiral Weaves

Spiral weaves are created using wires that are crimped or formed into a spiral shape. The V-shaped wires are threaded or woven in a spiral pattern, interlocking with each other. This technique is commonly used for manufacturing endless process belts and chain link fencing. Spiral woven belts can feature interconnected spiral wires along with additional "shute" rods. Hexagonal wire netting, or "poultry netting," is also produced through a spiral winding process, where wires are twisted at intervals, shifted forward, and then twisted in the opposite direction. Additionally, spiral weaves are employed in architectural applications for light diffusion and decorative facades.

Combination Weaves

Specialized weaves are created by combining two standard weave patterns.

A wide range of proprietary and custom weave and woven metal cloth types can be developed by varying the weaving patterns, wire sizes, wire shapes, and wire materials.

Woven Wire Mesh Crimp Types

Woven wire cloth can utilize either crimped or non-crimped wire. The crimping process introduces bends, undulations, or kinks into the wires, which helps interlock the parallel and crosswise wires. Crimped wire features a wave-like or sawtooth profile. Typically, the crimping is done prior to the weaving process.

Crimping reduces wire movement, ensuring more consistent and accurate openings. A sharp point or awl can penetrate non-crimped wire mesh more easily than crimped mesh.

Various crimping methods can be employed, including:

Non-crimped

Without crimping or pre-crimping, the wires remain free to move. This results in wire cloth that may offer greater flexibility or adaptability compared to crimped or welded mesh.

Pre-Crimp

Pre-crimped wire is typically used for coarser diameter or gauge wire cloth. This type of mesh is more rigid compared to non-crimped mesh.

Lock Crimp

Lock crimp features a precise crimp shape that securely "locks" the wires at their intersection points, holding them tightly in place.

Intercrimp, Intermediate Crimp, or Multiple Crimp

Intercrimp, intermediate crimp, or multiple crimp wire cloth features more frequent crimps, with wire intersections occurring at every 3rd, 5th, 7th, etc., crimp. This type of mesh has additional bends or corrugations between intersections. Intercrimping enhances rigidity and accuracy, particularly when weaving large opening wire mesh with fine wire gauges.

Flat Top Mesh

Flat top mesh utilizes downward crimps or corrugations that alternate between the warp and shute wires, resulting in a flatter surface with fewer undulations.

Chapter 5: What are the Specifications for Wire Cloth Size and Openings?

The most common characteristics used to specify metal cloth or wire mesh include metal alloy types, mesh count, wire diameter, percent open area, and weave type.

What are the Main Considerations When Specifying Wire Cloth or Metal Mesh?

• Application typically determines the selection of key specifications such as spacing, opening size, and mesh count. In some applications, wire cloth is specified by mesh size, and in other applications, by opening size.
• The construction method, woven versus welded, has the greatest impact on metal cloth strength and durability, with welded wire cloth having superior properties.
• Within woven wire cloth types, the weave determines strength and durability.
• Metal or metal alloy selection is mainly determined by:
• The operating environment (temperature, humidity, wet vs. dry, flames, marine salt spray)
• Media being processed (wet slurries, dry non-corrosive powders, acids, corrosive chemicals).

The significance of specific specifications varies depending on the intended industrial application. For example:

• The light transmission properties are important in architectural ceiling and facade applications where the wire cloth is used to provide shade and reduce cooling costs.
• The weight per unit area (lbs/sq.ft) and strength of the wire cloth can be important in architectural applications where the wire mesh is part of a structure. The structure has to be built to support the weight of the wire mesh architectural fabric.
• Linear breaking strength can also be a selection factor in filtration applications. The wire cloth must be able to withstand the pressure applied to the cake and wire cloth filter during filtration operations. If the wire cloth is too weak, then filter distortion or breakage can occur.
• The open area, pore size, percent porosity flow resistance, pore size distribution, water permeability, or air permeability of the wire cloth are selection criteria for wire cloth filters or wire mesh to be used to fabricate filters.
• If the wire cloth is being employed for EMI or RFI shielding applications, then the magnetic and electrical conductivity of the wire mesh are key selection parameters.

Wire Diameter or Width

The diameter of round wire or the width of flat wire or ribbon is a crucial specification for wire cloth. Although some manufacturers may use "wire gauge" to indicate wire size, this can be confusing due to the variety of gauge systems available. To avoid confusion, wire diameter should be specified using a precise numerical value in inches or microns.

Mesh Size or Wire Count

Mesh size, wire count, or mesh count refers to the number of wires per unit length, typically measured in linear inches, and is determined from the center of one wire to the center of the next. For wire mesh cloth with large openings, the specification is based on the distance between adjacent wires, such as 1-inch mesh, 2-inch mesh, or &#;-inch mesh.

Percent Open Area

The percent open area of wire mesh cloth is determined from the width or dimension (W1) of the openings between adjacent parallel wires. For mesh with square openings, the opening area is calculated as W1 × W1. For meshes with rectangular openings, the area is calculated using W1 × W2.

The percent open area is calculated by dividing open area by the total area of the wire cloth. In summary:

• Open Area = Opening Width1 x Opening W2
• Open Area + Wire Area = Total Area
• Open Area (%) = Open Area / Total Area

Opening Size

The opening size of wire cloth, mesh, or screen refers to the dimension between two adjacent wires, measured from edge to edge. This differs from mesh size, which is measured from the center of one wire to the center of the next. Wire cloth openings range from 20 microns to 5 inches. Electroformed mesh can have standard catalog openings as small as 5 microns. For finer mesh, sieves, screens, and wire cloth, the opening size is specified in microns.

Opening Shape

The shape of the openings is an important specification for decorative and architectural applications. It can also be a key factor in applications where wire cloth screens are used to produce elongated particles in powders or granular materials. Opening shapes include:

• Square
• Hexagon
• Rectangular
• Round
• Triangular
• Custom or complex patterns

Chapter 6: Wire Cloth Grades and Industrial Applications

How is mesh size utilized in industry?

Wire cloth can be categorized into two primary application fields:

• Industrial
• Architectural & Construction

Architectural applications encompass:

• Decorative or functional facades, windows or fenestration, and roofing elements, which can act as:
  • Graphics and signage imprinted on the screen such as company name or advertising
  • Wind breaks
  • Sunlight diffusers
  • Shade producers to reduce solar thermal heating on an interior space
• Railing and fall protection - railings on or around decks, stairs, and other open, elevated spaces in buildings or their exteriors can utilize wire mesh or cloth to provide a protective barrier to prevent falls from elevated surfaces.
• Screens and fencing - wire mesh can be used as fencing or barrier material to stop animals, insects, livestock, and people from entering or exiting a space. Chain link fence is a spiral woven wire product. Fence wires have deep V-shaped &#;crimps&#;. V-shaped wires are spiral threaded or woven into each other.
• Soil Stabilization - Geomesh is wire mesh that can be used to prevent soil, gravel, and earth erosion. Geomesh is important in retaining and stabilizing soil or earth in building and construction applications. Gabion or slope stabilization netting is used to make Gabion boxes, which are filled with stones and gravel to provide a barrier to stop erosion on slopes during floods or heavy rains.
• Concrete reinforcement - Remesh is placed inside concrete forms to reinforce concrete in conjunction with rebar. Remesh provides a bridge across cracks, which prevents the cracks from propagating.

Industrial applications include:

• Battery Electrodes - Wire mesh can be used to create electrodes in batteries and other applications.
• Belting and Conveyor Mesh - Conveyor mesh is used to make process belts. Process belts are used to move and process materials. High temperature mesh belts can convey parts or materials through a furnace for thermal processing, sintering, and heat treatment. Process belts are also used to manufacture paper and nonwoven polymer fiber webs. Process belts can be spliced or endless. Endless belts have no splice or joint, so they do not leave a repeating pattern in a nonwoven or paper web formed on the endless belt. Endless woven belts are made by spiral weaving.
• Catalyst and Catalyst Supports - Wire mesh can be used as a support media hold reactive catalyst compound in chemical process plant applications. Certain metals like a fine nickel mesh can act as catalysts.
• Containers and Packaging - Wire cloth can be formed into containers and packages such as baskets or bags. The openness of the mesh allows air to circulate through the goods in the container, which can prevent mildew and spoilage in some applications. Wire mesh containers can be rigid or flexible depending on the wire cloth product utilized.
• Dewatering - removal of water from sludge or slurries
• EMI/FEI shielding - The electrical and magnetic properties of metal wire mesh make the material suitable for EMI/FEI shielding while reducing the weight compared to a solid sheet metal enclosure.
• Filtration
  • Wire cloth can act as a filter or filtration media
  • Wire mesh or screen can act as a filter media support behind the filter
• Gasketing and Seals - Wire cloth can be die cut into shape to form gaskets and seals as well as EMI/RFI shielding gaskets.
• Personal protection - Wire mesh can be fabricated into personal protection components such as shields, barriers, covers, machine guards, dividers, and flame arrestors. Space cloth is the wire cloth grade typically used for these applications. Space cloth tends to be rigid, deeply crimped mesh with openings from ¼ to 4 inches. Space grade cloth is typically specified by opening size.
• Screen Printing - Screen or wire mesh can be used to print patterns for electronic circuitry, graphics, and even bill and note watermarking.
• Sieving for particle size classification - Screening, sifting, sieving, and sorting powders and granular materials to produce a specific particle size distribution. The wire cloth is mounted into a frame and placed on a screening machine, which shakes back and forth as powder is fed onto the surface. Bolting grade and market grade wire cloth are commonly used in screening applications. Bolting grade wire cloth has a large percent open area and extremely thin wire to maximize material flow through the screen during sifting of flour, grain, seeds, and metal powders. Bolting grade cloth is typically specified by mesh size.
• Structuring and reinforcing mesh materials:
  • Hernia repair requires a surgical mesh
  • Steel cord or belting is used to reinforce tires

Chapter 7: What Are the Fabrication, Secondary Processing, Value-Added Services, and Accessories for Wire Cloth?

When choosing a supplier for wire cloth, it's important to consider their secondary processing capabilities. Wire cloth requires different forming and fabricating techniques compared to sheet metal. If your application involves fabricating components from wire cloth, selecting a vendor with expertise in processing, treating, cutting, forming, and joining wire cloth would be advantageous.

Value-added processes that can be applied after weaving or welding include:

• Calendered or Flattened - Calendering is a finishing process where fabric or other material is passed under rollers at high temperatures and pressures to reduce the thickness of the material, increase its bulk density, and/or create a smoother surface.
• Cleaning - Wire mesh can be cleaned or degreased after processing to remove any oils, greases, dirt, grime, soils, and debris from the manufacturing and secondary fabrication processes.
• Converting / Cutting
  • Blanking
  • Die Cutting - Die cutting press or rotary die machine
  • Shearing
  • Sheeting / Cut-to-Length
  • Slitting or rotary blade cutting
  • Laser cutting
  • Plasma cutting
• Coating - Metal wire mesh can be coated with a protective plastic coating such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC, vinyl) or a zinc dip coating.
• Forming
  • Deep Drawing
  • Calendaring
  • Stamping
  • Straightening or Stretching
• Heat Treating
  • Annealing
  • Sintering
  • Solution Treating
  • Stress Relieving
• Joining and Sealing
  • Adhesive Bonding / Gluing
  • Brazing
  • Sintering or solid state bonding
  • Soldering
  • Sealing
  • Welding
• Mounting - Mounting the wire cloth into a frame or adding edging or channels onto the edges of a sheet of wire mesh. The wire cloth edges can be sharp. Channels and edging can protect workers and allow the wire cloth to be more easily inserted into end-use equipment such as screening machines.
• Over Molding Plastic Injection Molding
• Packaging

Conclusion

• Wire cloth and metal mesh are manufactured in a wide range to provide a variety of industrial and architectural applications.
• Specific properties can be engineered by adjusting the weave type, crimp or weld type, opening size, mesh size, wire diameter, and wire alloy type. NEMA enclosures are available in a wide range of shapes, configurations, mounting styles, and NEMA ratings.
• Many wire cloth manufacturers are familiar with the nuances and unique requirements of specific industry applications. They can provide products specialized for different industries.
• Wire cloth can be designed and manufactured to meet additional ratings such as ASTM, FEPA, and ANSI standards for sieving or particle classification test sieves.
• Wire cloth products can be purchased as:
  • Standard or catalog product
  • Customized designed product for specialized products such as a custom weave or a woven wire cloth made with a unique alloy or cross-sectional shape to meet design needs.
  • Fully custom fabricated wire cloth product such as screen, sieve, filter, or basket with additional metal frames - built to print or designed by the wire cloth manufacturer.

Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers

 

What is it used for?

An enormous range of specifications can be achieved by varying the wire diameter, metal type and aperture size. Specifications range from the finest sheer gauze fabric to heavy duty rigid screens and this versatility means that wire cloth can be used for a vast range of applications.

As well as many uses within the domestic environment, Locker woven wire is commonly used for a myriad of industrial filtration, sieving, shielding, sifting, screening, sorting and separation processes.  We offer a range of wire cloth products designed to cater for common industrial processes, and regularly work with customers to develop custom solutions to meet their unique requirements.

Woven metal is an extremely flexible and malleable material. It can be shaped to suit precise requirements and edged to fit to any structure. It is durable and performs well under high temperatures and pressures. It is widely used within the oil and gas industry plus pharmaceuticals, recycling, automotive and electronics to name but a few.

Locker woven metal cloth can be supplied in a number of different ways:

• On the roll
• 'As cut' from the roll
• Pre-cut to size in pieces, discs or strips
• Formed into shapes, welded, edged or finished to specification by our specialist team

Find out more about the History of Wire Weaving.

Find out more about our products.